Top 10 Scenic Train Rides in Europe
There’s something magical about a journey by train. The magic is both inside and outside. Inside, you can meet people, dine in a restaurant car, and relax in comfortable compartments while the rhythmic sound of steel wheels on the rails lulls you. Outside, the breathtaking landscape unfolds, providing a unique adventure and insight into the heart of a nation.
Europe offers some of the most beautiful train rides in the world. From idyllic countryside vistas and charming mountain villages to iconic bridges and the chance to spot wildlife, each journey promises a delightful experience. Below are the ten best train journeys in Europe, selected for their scenic views and memorable experiences.
1. Settle to Carlisle, England
Route: Settle to Carlisle
Best bit? Marveling at the Ribblehead Viaduct, one of northern England’s great vistas.
Distance: 113km (73 miles)
Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes
The Settle-to-Carlisle line is a treasure for train enthusiasts. This route, part of the British rail network, offers stunning views of the Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines. The charming stations along the way enhance the magical experience.
2. Le Petit Train Jaune, France
Route: Villefranche-de-Conflent to Latour-de-Carol
Best bit? Crossing the remarkable Pont Gisclard.
Distance: 63km (39 miles)
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
The Le Petit Train Jaune, affectionately known as the Canary, travels through the stunning landscapes of the Pyrenees. This ride offers a thrilling experience without the need for luxury, allowing you to enjoy the wind in your hair as you climb to breathtaking heights.
3. Belgrade-to-Bar Railway, Serbia and Montenegro
Route: Belgrade to Bar
Best bit? Crossing the stunning Mala Rijeka Viaduct, one of the world’s highest railway bridges.
Distance: 476km (296 miles)
Duration: 12 hours
This incredibly scenic route spans a mountainous landscape, guiding passengers from Serbia to Montenegro’s Adriatic Coast. Throughout the 12-hour journey, you’ll traverse canyons and bridges, revealing a treasure trove of authentic culture and pristine natural beauty at every turn.
4. The Bernina Express, Switzerland
Route: Chur to Tirano
Best bit? The breathtaking views of Lago Bianco from Ospizio Bernina.
Distance: 156km (96 miles)
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
Often hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful railway journeys, the Bernina Express takes you through stunning glaciers, ravines, and lakes, showcasing the best of Switzerland’s natural beauty.
5. The Heart of Wales Line, Wales and England
Route: Swansea to Shrewsbury
Best bit? Alighting at Sugar Loaf Station for scenic walks.
Distance: 194km (121 miles)
Duration: 4 hours
This unique train journey traverses an often-overlooked route through the Welsh countryside, moving from estuaries to charming towns, steeped in history and picturesque landscapes.
6. Munich to Venice on the Brenner Railway, Germany, Austria and Italy
Route: Munich to Venice
Best bit? Stopping at Brenner Pass – the trip’s highest point.
Distance: 563km (350 miles)
Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes
Offering stunning vineyard views and picturesque stops, the Brenner Railway connects three countries in a single, scenic journey. This historic route is notable for its engineering and breathtaking scenery.
7. The Kyle of Lochalsh Line, Scotland
Route: Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh
Best bit? Viewing Fionn Bheinn Munro looming large.
Distance: 135km (84 miles)
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
This scenic railway journey starts from Inverness and winds through the breathtaking Highlands to Kyle of Lochalsh, providing access to some of Scotland’s most rugged and beautiful landscapes.
8. Nova Gorica to Jesenice, Slovenia
Route: Nova Gorica to Jesenice
Best bit? The stunning views of Lake Bled.
Distance: 89km (55 miles)
Duration: 2 hours
The Bohinj Railway connects two fascinating places in Slovenia, offering spectacular scenery that makes for an unforgettable rail trip through beautiful Alpine landscapes.
9. The Centovalli Express, Switzerland and Italy
Route: Domodossola to Locarno
Best bit? The incredible views from the Isorno viaduct.
Distance: 52km (32 miles)
Duration: 2 hours
This exquisite journey may be less well-known than other Swiss routes, yet it offers compelling scenery with waterfalls, vineyards, and charming hamlets, making it an under-the-radar gem.
10. Bergensbanen, Norway
Route: Oslo to Bergen
Best bit? Sweeping views of the Hardangervidda scenery.
Distance: 496km (308 miles)
Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes
The Bergensbanen railroad represents the pinnacle of 19th-century engineering, traversing diverse and breathtaking Norwegian landscapes, from canyons to fjords, and providing an unrivaled experience of Norway’s natural beauty.
This article highlights the top train rides in Europe, showcasing the magic of traveling by rail. Each journey offers a unique perspective on the continent’s stunning landscapes.
